Photos in order: Getty Images (1); Courtesy MGM/Mirage (2)
Story by Joseph Alexiou
These days you can’t turn on your TV or open a newspaper without getting bombarded by horror stories about the rising cost of oil. For travelers, the augmented gas prices translate into higher costs for airfare, and painful expenditures on gas in your rental car (air conditioning, a hands-down necessity this summer, will use up half of your juice).
Luckily, some conscientious resorts in gay-popular Las Vegas are off-setting the increases with money-saving packages that dole out some extra gas money along with other great savings.
The best deal is at Mandalay Bay (3950 Las Vegas Blvd. S.; 702-632-7777 or 877-632-7800; $120+), where THEhotel and SPF-129 are offering a $500 gift card that one can redeem for airfare or costs around the hotel up until September. Other perks for purchasing one of their summer travel packages (starting at $129) include a $50 suite upgrade and discounted cabana rental, all great ways to kick off a summer sin-fest.
At Circus Circus (880 Las Vegas Blvd S.; 800-937-7777; $39+), booking your room online before August 28th gets the lucky traveler a $25 gas credit card for a two-night stay, and $50 for a three-night minimum. The packages also include a $25 gaming credit and a half-priced dinner.
Some other fun summer packages in Vegas to September 4th include Red, White, Blue and Green at Treasure Island (3300 S. Las Vegas Blvd S.; 800-288-7206; $76+), including a lunchtime food and drink credit, $35 off cabana rentals, and a 35% discount on tickets to Cirque du Soleil’s “Mystère.” Reserve online using promotional code TIRWBG.
Finally, Summerfest at MGM Grand (3799 Las Vegas Blvd S.; 866- 929-1111; $89+) will get you a $35 activity dining or entertainment credit, free tube rentals at the pool, and a 15% discount at the Grand Spa. Hooray for summer in Sin City!
If you head for this neon oasis, check out our slimmed-down but deeply detailed Las Vegas travel guide!
